Smoking to the Spirit of the Buffalo / Charles Marion Russell

Curatorial Remarks

This bronze ashtray does not have a cast number on its exterior. There could be one on the interior of the bronze, but this portion is not visible because the bottom is closed off with sheet metal. It was purchased by Philip G. Cole in October 1926.

Information given by Ann Boulton Young, Associate Conservator for the Gilcrease Museum, 2018

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Art Item Information

©Gilcrease Museum

Title(s):

Smoking to the Spirit of the Buffalo

Creator(s):

Charles Marion Russell (Subject)

Roman Bronze Works (Foundry)

Culture:

American

Date:

modeled 1914; lost-wax cast 1926

Materials/Techniques:

lost-wax cast in bronze

Classification:

Sculpture

Object Type:

Bronze Sculpture

Accession No:

08.17

Previous Number(s):

0837.17; 29490

Department:

Art

Not On View

Dimensions

Overall:

Height: 4 3/8in. (11.1cm)
Width: 5 1/2in. (14.0cm)

About the Creator(s)

From Gilcrease Museum:

Creator:

Charles Marion Russell

Biography:

American

Role(s):

Subject

From Getty's Union List of Artist Names:

Names (all):

Russell, Charles Marion

Birth Date:

1864

Death Date:

1926

Nationalities:

American (North American)

Roles:

American painter, sculptor, and illustrator, 1864-1926

Gender:

male

Events:

active (professional function)

Note:

Comment on works: painter; sculptor

From Gilcrease Museum:

Creator:

Roman Bronze Works

Role(s):

Foundry

Marks and Inscriptions

Marks: Marked, "R.B.W"

Signed: Signed with colophon, "C.M. Russell" [Trademark buffalo skull]

Art by Charles M. Russell

Renowned as an iconic figure in early 20th-century American art for his portrayals of the American West, Charles M. Russell’s (1864-1926) masterworks and ephemera form a significant part of the Gilcrease collection. Examples of Charles M. Russell’s mature painting style are enriched by Gilcrease Museum’s equally important collection of the artist’s bronze sculptures, sketches, preparatory drawings, illustrated letters, and personal belongings. In addition to Russell’s acclaim as a painter and sculptor he is also considered a noteworthy humorist across different media.

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Cite this Page

Russell, Charles. Smoking to the Spirit of the Buffalo. 08.17. modeled 1914; lost-wax cast 1926. Tulsa: Gilcrease Museum, https://collections.gilcrease.org/object/0817 (03/26/2019).

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